Jim McHale, Ph.D., of American Standard Brands to Speak at World Toilet Summit

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (January 19, 2015) – Global sanitation expert Dr. Jim McHale of American Standard Brands will speak at the 14th annual World Toilet Summit in New Delhi, India, on January 20, 2015. McHale will participate in a panel discussion on the topic of affordable sanitation solutions and infrastructure. He will share insights gained from his Company's research and development of the low-cost SaTo hygienic toilet pan that helps prevent the transmission of disease from open pit latrines.

Started by the World Toilet Organization, this global event will bring together non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, toilet associations and private sector stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge and resources, and better impact the sanitation marketplace. This year's World Toilet Summit will encourage the collaboration of the participants with leading government officials in India to specifically help bring an end to open defecation in that country. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will deliver the keynote address.

"The sanitation crisis in India is multi-faceted with social, economic, behavioral and logistical challenges," explained McHale. "Companies like American Standard can play a role by providing affordable, aspirational toilet products that people really want to own and use because they make everyday life a little better. Presently, there is a big gap in this product space." Summit attendees will focus on evolving technologies and lessons from other countries that can play an important role in addressing this critical global health issue in India. The World Toilet Summit is the largest global event to focus on the topics of toilets and sanitation.

American Standard recently released a Global Sanitation Report sharing current information on the lack of access to adequate sanitation resources currently affecting nearly 40 percent of the world population. In addition, the report offers updates on the Company’s Flush for Good campaign, which aims to provide improved sanitation facilities for 20 million people by the year 2020 to help reduce disease and save lives in developing countries around the world.

Among McHale's primary responsibilities as global sanitation products business leader are the expansion of the Company’s reach in supplying affordable sanitation products for customers in developing countries as well as supporting corporate social responsibility activities, particularly the Flush for Good initiative. He previously served as vice president of research, development and engineering for American Standard, leading a global team of scientists and engineers in the development of innovative bath and kitchen products.

American Standard Brands make life healthier, safer and more beautiful at home, at work, in the community and throughout the world. Offering total project solutions for residential and commercial customers around the world with respected brands such as American Standard®, DXV™, Safety Tubs®, Crane Plumbing®, Eljer®, Fiat® and Decorative Panels International®. American Standard Brands is owned by Lixil Corporation (TSE Code 5938), a global building products company. Learn more at www.americanstandard.com, or follow us at twitter.com/AmStandard, https://www.facebook.com/AmericanStandardPlumbing.